How YBI's EVOLVE program helps tech startups
Tech startups often face a unique challenge: turning great ideas into thriving businesses. While engineers and developers may excel at creating innovative products, they often lack the knowledge to secure funding, develop effective marketing strategies, or scale operations. That’s where the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) steps in. Through its EVOLVE Technology Entrepreneurship Program, YBI provides vital support to Ohio’s tech entrepreneurs.
What is the Youngstown Business Incubator?
The Youngstown Business Incubator was founded in the 1980s in response to widespread job loss in the Mahoning Valley. Originally focused on supporting local businesses, YBI has evolved into a tech-focused innovation hub. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurship and economic development in Youngstown, Mahoning Valley, and beyond.
YBI specializes in supporting tech-based startups in various fields, such as digital, advanced manufacturing, AI (artificial intelligence), and healthtech including medical devices. Its programs empower startups to succeed in a competitive landscape, whether they’re developing SaaS platforms, working with industry 4.0, or advancing healthtech solutions. YBI is also dedicated to inclusion, with initiatives designed to help women, minorities, and even youth entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses.
EVOLVE: Empowering Ohio’s Tech Startups
The EVOLVE Technology Entrepreneurship Program is one of YBI’s biggest initiatives, designed to help tech startups at all stages of development. Whether focused on automation, artificial intelligence, or additive manufacturing, EVOLVE provides startups with the tools, connections, and resources needed to thrive in Ohio’s growing tech ecosystem.
Key offerings of the EVOLVE program include:
Financial Services: Helping startups secure venture capital, and SBIR/STTR awards, including support for businesses in healthtech, edtech, and advanced materials.
Mentorship: Connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts and seasoned professionals who understand how businesses grow from the startup phase.
Strategy Development: Providing tailored support for market research, customer discovery, and scaling operations.
Market Expansion: Helping startups navigate key aspects of scaling, such as go-to-market strategy development, optimizing for SEO, and targeting key sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
In 2023 alone, EVOLVE supported over 51 tech startups, helping them raise over $165 million in 3rd party capital. These startups spanned various industries, including fintech, healthtech, machine learning, and automation. The program also facilitated the creation and retention of high-quality jobs in Ohio, including developer jobs, sales jobs, and marketing jobs.
What Does This Mean For Ohio?
The EVOLVE program is instrumental in building a robust tech ecosystem across the Mahoning Valley. By supporting tech companies in areas like additive manufacturing, SaaS, and automation, YBI is helping Ohio-based entrepreneurs tackle modern challenges.
YBI’s EVOLVE program is a cornerstone of Ohio’s efforts to transition to a tech-driven economy. By empowering local entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and helping to create high-paying jobs, EVOLVE is transforming Youngstown and the broader Mahoning Valley into a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
For northeast Ohio-based tech startups, YBI’s EVOLVE program provides a unique opportunity to scale and succeed. Whether working in healthtech, AI startups, automation, and more, entrepreneurs can rely on EVOLVE as a provider for the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to turn their ideas into impactful businesses. A leader in Ohio’s tech revolution, YBI ensures that the Buckeye State remains at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.
